The Six Best Trail Runners of 2016
Tough and nimble, these off-road kicks are ready to fly
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From lightweight speedsters to ultra-comfortable puddle-jumpers, this new crop of trail runners features some of the best yet. Here are six of our favorites.
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Agravic ($135)
Best For: Sure Footing Through Slop
The Agravic is a moderately low-riding shoe with Euro flare and—thanks to oversize lugs—abundant bite in muck and on slippery loam. A thin layer of Adidas’s springy Boost foam gives this fast shoe a smooth, rolling feel on the trail, as well as some extra cushion for longer outings. The fit is slightly narrow, with a snug heel. 11 oz; 6 mm drop
Salomon Speedcross 4 ($130)
Best For: Big Alpine Outings
Not many mountain- running shoes have both technical chops and loads of comfort—that’s the Speedcross’s secret sauce. With its narrow last, rock-solid fit, and big six-millimeter lugs, it can quickstep through sketchy rock piles and bank tight switchbacks with confidence. A steep ramp angle means the Speedcross is definitely a shoe for heel strikers, although you shouldn’t expect a squishy, drowsy landing: the foam is firm for precision and quickness. 10.9 oz; 11 mm drop
Merrell All Out Crush Shield ($110)
Best For: Tiptoeing Along the Trail
Low, thin, and flexy, the Crush Shield is a fast, fun ride for efficient runners who like to feel like they’re in touch with the ground. We loved the high-speed turnover and the attentive foot placement such a shoe demands. Trail sensitivity cuts both ways, though—just a few miles of rocky terrain left us wincing. Best to stick to shorter jaunts on milder dirt or sand. Bonus points for the upper’s exterior water-repellent film. 9.5 oz; 7 mm drop
Brooks Mazama ($140)
Best For: Rolling Fast and Light
The most precise offering here, the new Mazama is a low—flying speedster that knows how to hopscotch over root wells and blast through rock gardens. It was the most confident shoe for sharp downhills, uneven trail, and aggressive paces. The “propulsion plate” in the forefoot made the ride a little harsh on hardpack but also injected some pop into each step. 9.3 oz; 6 mm drop
Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Neoshell ($150)
Best For: Charging on Rainy Days
Few trail-running shoes are more comfortable on first stride than this spongy lowrider. Credit goes to the midsole, which turns even pavement into cushy turf. But our favorite feature is Polartec’s waterproof Neoshell, which completely blocks out moisture, unlike other materials that leave you with a dry foot but a heavy, damp shoe. Note: with a cavernous toe box and high-volume last, it struggled to keep all but the widest feet locked in on downhills. 10 oz; zero drop
Saucony Xodus ISO ($130)
Best For: Stomp ing Across the Flats
Think of this as a tank with a soft side. The Xodus ISO is a chunky, disconnected shoe that ratchets up the comfort with an extra layer of rubbery foam under the insole, pavement-friendly herringbone lugs, and floating overlays that wrap snugly around the midfoot. The downside is a loose fit that felt sloshy on any kind of incline or choppy ground. The Xodus is no speed freak, but it’s as kind to your dogs as anything out there. 10.3 oz; 4 mm drop